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Hartlepool not interested in signing Evans

League Two strugglers Hartlepool United insist they will not sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

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Written ByAlex Fisher

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New United manager Ronnie Moore said after Saturday's 1-1 draw
against Oxford United - his first match in charge - "if it could
happen I would want it to happen", regarding the possibility of
bringing the 25-year-old to the club.

This led to reports that former Sheffield United striker Evans,
who was released from prison in October after serving half of his
five-year sentence, would be heading to Victoria Park.

However, the Football League's bottom club released a statement
on Sunday saying that the "story has emerged following an
usubstantiated internet rumour which the manager was asked to
comment upon".

It added: "Hartlepool United do not intend signing Ched Evans
and, for the avoidance of doubt, will not be doing so, irrespective
of his obvious ability as a football player.

"The club can fully understand the concerns of supporters and
the general public and regrets any misconception portrayed.

"After a highly positive week at Hartlepool United following the
takeover by new owners and the appointment of a new manager, the
owners are saddened by this unfortunate turn of events and wish to
draw a line under it immediately."

Evans' former club Sheffield United had previously allowed the
striker to train with them at the request of the Professional
Footballers' Association, but following widespread criticism they
ended that agreement.

A number of sponsors and club patrons terminated their
relationship with the League One outfit, while Olympic hepathlon
champion Jessica Ennis-Hill requested that her name be removed from
a stand named in her honour at Bramall Lane if Evans were to
return.